The Impact of Misaligned Teeth on Overall Health

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Misaligned teeth, also called malocclusions in Centerville and Beavercreek, OH, refer to teeth that are not properly positioned in your mouth. And while many people focus mainly on how their teeth look, misalignment can actually affect their overall health.

The Different Types of Misaligned Teeth Explained

Your  dentist in Centerville and Beavercreek, OH, will use the following terms when referring to the condition of your teeth.

Crossbite – This is when your upper teeth fit inside your lower teeth when your mouth is closed.

Overbite – This is when your upper teeth overlap your lower teeth more than they’re supposed to.

Underbite – This is when your lower front teeth extend beyond your upper front teeth.

Open Bite – This is when your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when your mouth is closed.

Overjet – This is when your upper front teeth stick out further than they’re supposed to. Sometimes referred to as “buck teeth.”

These conditions are caused by any number of factors, such as genetics, destructive childhood habits, or trauma. But misalignment is a common dental concern across all age groups.

Oral Health Consequences and the Effect on Your Bite

Crooked teeth make cleaning difficult. This could potentially lead to plaque buildup. It will also increase your risk of getting cavities and gum disease (not to mention bad breath). Misaligned and crooked teeth can also cause uneven pressure and wear on your teeth. This could result in chips or fractures.

Connection to Overall Health

There are links between your oral health and overall health. Poor oral health can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even sleep issues. Another thing most people don’t realize is that misaligned teeth can indirectly affect their digestion. You might also be surprised that misaligned teeth can affect your posture. Who knew!

Treatment Options

There are plenty of options available to correct your misaligned teeth. Your dentist might recommend braces or clear aligners. Or, if you just have minor issues, you might only need a retainer.

Early intervention in children can help prevent long-term issues. For example, if your child’s issues are readily noticeable from a young age. Or if your child is older but still sucks their thumb or won’t give up their pacifier, they might need a palatal crib to break the habit.

Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Centerville or Beavercreek, OH?

Ignoring misaligned teeth can result in major dental issues now and going forward. Please Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to schedule an evaluation. Let’s work together to protect your smile and overall health!

What Is Fluoride? How Can It Help My Teeth?

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It is important to maintain strong teeth and healthy gums. Fluoride is one tool you can use to keep your teeth healthy. At Bellbrook Family Dentistry, we provide fluoride treatments and can also teach patients about the benefits of fluoride. If you have questions about fluoride, talk to your dentist in Bellbrook, OH.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that is found in many foods and water. Fluoride can help to remineralize your teeth if you’re suffering from minor tooth decay and can help strengthen your tooth enamel to prevent cavities. Fluoride is an important part of your diet and an important mineral to consume.

How Can Fluoride Help My Teeth?

Teeth lose and gain minerals every day. Fluoride helps add to the minerals in your teeth. If you’re suffering from tooth decay, this means that fluoride can help reverse these effects.

How Can I Get Fluoride?

There are many ways that you’re probably exposed to fluoride every day. Some examples:

  • Normal diet. Much of the food you consume contains fluoride.
  • Toothpaste. Fluoride can be found in many types of toothpaste. If you want to get fluoride from your toothpaste, check the label for indications that it contains fluoride.
  • Mouthwash. Some mouthwashes can be fluoridated, but not all. Look for this on the label when you’re buying mouthwash.
  • Water supply. Most communities in the United States add fluoride to their water. Check with your local city hall or water supplier to find out whether your community’s water has fluoride.
  • Fluoride treatments at the dentist. You may also get fluoride treatment when you go for a regular tooth cleaning at the dentist’s office.
  • Medication. If the water in your community isn’t fluoridated, you may need medication to get the fluoride content your teeth need to stay healthy.

Need a Dental Cleaning? Call Your Dentist At Bellbrook Family Dentistry
Do you need to get your teeth cleaned, or are you concerned that you need fluoride treatment? See your dentist at Bellbrook Family Dentistry in Bellbrook, OH, for a dental cleaning.

Having a Problem With Bad Breath? What That Could Mean

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Bad breath is usually amended when you brush your teeth. If your bad breath isn’t fixed with proper tooth brushing practices, then it may be time to see your dentist in Bellbrook, OH. Chronic bad breath, also called halitosis, can be a symptom of a dental problem. Here’s what you should know about bad breath.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath can be caused by a variety of problems.

  • Poor oral hygiene. If your oral hygiene routine is inconsistent or you don’t brush and floss properly, then your bad breath could result from poor brushing, flossing, and dental cleaning habits. Your dentist can show you the proper way to brush and floss if you would like a tutorial the next time you go to the dentist.
  • Bacteria. Bad breath that’s caused by a normal amount of bacteria will go away easily when you brush your teeth. However, if you have a cavity, infection, or inflammation with excessive bacteria, brushing may not fix the problem.
  • Food in the bloodstream. Some foods continue to hang out in the bloodstream and affect your breath long after you’ve eaten them. Garlic and onions are good examples of this. You may be able to tell if your bad breath is the result of your diet by paying attention to what you’re eating and noticing when your breath seems to be the worst.

What Should You Do If You Have Bad Breath?

If you have bad breath that can’t be fixed by visiting the dentist and don’t believe your problem is related to the food you’re eating, contact your dentist. You could have a condition like gum disease, a cavity, or an infection in your tooth. Your dentist can help you diagnose the problem and recommend treatment.

If you have a cavity, a filling will be required. If you have an infection in your tooth, you may need a root canal treatment.

Get Help for Your Bad Breath From Your Dentist

At Bellbrook Family Dentistry, we provide dental cleanings and exams in Bellbroook, OH. Get your bad breath checked out today: call to make an appointment.

4 ways to help your child avoid cavities

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Cavities can be painful and frustrating for children. As a parent, there are many things you can do to help your child avoid cavities. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and taking your child to the dentist in Bellbrook, OH on a regular basis, you take steps to protect your child from cavities. Here’s what we recommend that parents do to help their children keep their teeth cavity free.

1. Focus on Good Oral Hygiene At Home

Your children need to practice good oral hygiene at home, just like you. Remember that some children are too young to brush their teeth on their own. Children younger than about 7 or 8 years old need their parents to brush their teeth for them, to ensure their teeth get properly cleaned. If your child asks to brush their teeth on their own, you can accommodate them by allowing them to brush their teeth first. You’ll brush their teeth after to “give them an extra polish.”

Your child has a hard time waiting patiently while you brush? Show them a video on your phone while brushing takes place.

Once your child is old enough to brush their teeth on their own, monitor their tooth brushing habits to ensure they’re brushing their teeth every night. Don’t forget flossing! Flossing should happen once per day. Replace your child’s toothbrush once every three months.

2. Bring Your Child to the Dentist Regularly

Whether the dentist is recommending that you bring your child in for appointments annually or twice annually, it’s important to follow the dentist’s recommendation. During dental appointments, your child will have their teeth professionally cleaned. This is also the dentist’s chance to catch any problems that might be manifesting in your child’s mouth. Catching problems in their early stages can help your child avoid cavities.

3. Provide Sugarless Snacks

Every kid loves snacks. Provide your child with sugarless snacks to protect their teeth while they eat. Peanut butter and crackers, cheese cubes, nuts and boiled eggs are all good examples of filling, healthy snacks that can keep your child’s stomach full while also protecting your child’s teeth from sugar.

4. Use Dental Sealants

The next time you come in to the family dentistry practice in Bellbrook, OH, talk to the dentist at Bellbrook Family Dentistry about getting dental sealants on your child’s teeth. Dental sealants are a fantastic tool for preventing tooth decay.

Back-to-School Dental Tips for Your Child

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It’s back to school time! At this time of year, we see a lot of children coming in for dental checkups before school starts once again. As your dentist in Bellbrook, OH, we take our role in your child’s dental hygiene very seriously. This is a great time to publish a list of tips to help your child maintain healthy teeth this school year. Here’s what to know.

1. See the dentist before school begins.

Many dentists recommend that their pediatric patients see the dentist every six months, just like adult patients. If your child has a condition that the dentist wants to keep an eye on, they may even recommend that your child see the dentist more frequently. Once your child starts school, making time to see the dentist is harder. If possible, make a point to bring your child to the dentist every year before school begins.

2. Brush up on your child’s teeth brushing technique.

Until they reach about 7 or 8 years old, many children lack the coordination to brush their own teeth effectively. Even children old enough to brush their teeth often need help and pointers to ensure they’re doing the best job possible.

If your child is old enough to brush their own teeth, take some time to watch them doing it. Are they getting the front teeth and the back? Are they spending a full two minutes on it? Help them with this process.

If you’re brushing your teeth for your child, spend time evaluating whether you’re doing the best job you can. Time yourself each time you brush their teeth. Take care to get all their teeth.

3. Stock up on healthy treats for your child.

Your child will be eating a lot of food outside the house once school starts. Stock up on healthy snacks that are good for your child’s teeth. Hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, pita and hummus, veggie sticks, and nuts and seeds are all healthy snacks with low sugar content.

4. Get a mouthguard for sports if one is needed.

Does your child participate in contact sports? They may need a mouthguard. Talk to the dentist to find out if they recommend one for your child.

Have you made an appointment for your child’s dental cleaning in Bellbrook, OH? It’s that time of year. Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry to make an appointment if you haven’t yet.

6 Tips for Taking Care of Your Teeth This Summer

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Summer is a time when people let loose, go on vacation, attend family get togethers and go to barbecues. Some of these activities can impact your dental health. Seeing the dentist in Bellbrook, OH and following these tips can help you take care of your teeth this summer.

1. Stay Hydrated

Saliva is good for your teeth. Adequate saliva helps keep your teeth clean by washing away the bacteria. Saliva also helps you maintain good breath. If you don’t stay hydrated, you could have a hard time producing adequate saliva. Whether you’re outside doing yard work or playing at the beach, it’s important to stay properly hydrated.

2. Floss After Eating Stringy Barbecue Foods

Barbecues are known for their fabulous food, including veggie trays with fresh celery, stringy pulled pork, and corn on the cob with silky strands hanging from the ends. Stringy barbecue foods can get caught between your teeth. Bring floss with you to the next barbecue, and when you’ve got a minute, excuse yourself to go clean your teeth.

3. Keep Up With Dental Hygiene On Vacations

Bring everything you need to maintain your oral hygiene when you’re away on vacation. Don’t plan to buy what you need when you arrive, because you may not find it – especially if you’re out of the country.

4. Limit Sugary Drinks

Sodas sure do feel great going down on a hot summer day! Unfortunately, sugary drinks can contribute to tooth decay and poor dental hygiene. Whenever possible, stick to fresh water or carbonated water with no sugar.

5. Incorporate Healthy Foods Into Your Diet

Next time you go to an outdoor event with unhealthy foods, be sure to incorporate any healthy foods that are available to eat as well.

6. Avoid Chewing on Ice

Ice is yummy and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day. It can also be hard on your teeth. Avoid chewing on ice to protect your tooth enamel and avoid chips and other problems.

To take care of your teeth, see the dentist for preventative dental care in Bellbrook, OH. Call Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to make an appointment.

4 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Oral Health this Winter

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Are you happy with your oral health? If not, there are many things you can do to change that. Good oral health starts with you. By developing good habits and by using the tools at your disposal to keep your teeth clean, you can enjoy good oral health for many years. Below are four smart things you can do to improve your oral health this winter.

1. Resolve to Eat Less Sugar

Sugar contributes to dental decay, cavities and problems like gum disease. By eating less sugar, you can help protect your teeth. Now that the holidays are over, it may be a good time to cut back on sugar intake and focus more on foods that are good for your body. Some tips for cutting back on sugar:

  • Look for sugar-free alternatives to the normal foods you buy.
  • Stop drinking sodas and instead drink water.
  • Develop a list of healthy low-sugar snack foods, such as boiled eggs and nuts and seeds.

2. Make Your Appointment with the Dentist Before You Forget

You should be seeing the dentist twice per year, so your first appointment of the year should be coming up soon. To get your teeth cleaning on the books, make an appointment for teeth cleaning in Bellbrook, OH. Call your dental professional to make this happen.

3. Switch to an Electric Toothbrush

Electric toothbrushes can be more effective at preventing plaque and tartar. Electric toothbrushes also have a range of features that can help keep your teeth healthy, including built-in timers that help you know when you’ve been brushing your teeth for two minutes, and sensors that can tell you when you’re pushing too hard while brushing. Switch your manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush to start taking better care of your teeth.

4. Brush Up Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Next time you go in to the dentist, ask your dental professional to show you how to brush your teeth and how to floss. You may think you’re doing it correctly, but it’s easy to develop bad habits with these important dental hygiene routines.

Have questions about things you can do to improve your oral health? Talk to your dentist in Bellbrook, OH to find out what else you can do to make improvements to your oral hygiene routine.

3 Qualities to Look For In a Pediatric Dentist

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When you’re in need of a pediatric dentist in Bellbrook, OH, it’s important to find a professional with qualities that make a difference – qualities such as relevant experience, good communication skills and strategies for working with children. Below, we’ll outline what to seek out when you look for a dentist for your child. Knowing what to seek out and how to find it can help you find a dentist that will make your child feel comfortable and safe during dental appointments.

1. Experienced

The more that a dentist works with children, the easier it becomes for the dentist to anticipate what children want and how to work with them. To find out how much experience a dentist has with children, give them a call. You may need to set up an appointment to speak with the dentist in person or over the phone. When you’re able to talk with the dentist, ask questions such as:

  • How long have you been working with kids?
  • How often do you work with children?
  • How have your strategies for working with children changed over the years?

2. Good Communicator

Your child will be reliant on you to brush their teeth for them for the first several years. It’s important to find a dentist who can tell you how to brush your child’s teeth effectively. The better the dentist is at communicating with you about your responsibilities to care for your child’s teeth, the easier it will be for you to learn your role.

While you’re on the phone with the potential dentist, evaluate their communication skills. Ask yourself if you could picture them giving you important information about your child’s dental care.

3. Has Strategies for Working With Children

One more thing to ask the dentist about when you’re talking on the phone: find out what kind of strategies they use to keep children comfortable at the dentist office.

Having effective strategies will be important when you bring your child in for a pediatric dental cleaning in Bellbrook, OH. A dentist who knows how to put kids at ease can make the experience a much more pleasant one for you, your child and everyone involved.

Which Foods Are Good for Strengthening My Child’s Teeth?

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Since diet and teeth go hand in hand, a child’s oral health is directly affected by the foods and beverages that he or she consumes. Sugary foods and beverages feed the bacteria in the mouth that wreak havoc on the teeth and gums, while acidic foods and beverages weaken tooth enamel. Although, at some point, a child will consume these foods and beverages, in addition to biannual dental cleanings in Bellbrook, OH, parents can use other foods to help strengthen their child’s teeth.

5 Foods That Can Strengthen a Child’s Teeth

One of the best ways parents can help strengthen their child’s teeth is by incorporating foods beneficial to oral health into his or her diet.

1. Firm Raw Vegetables

Eating firm raw vegetables (e.g., celery, carrots) can help remove food debris and reduce the number of bacteria on the teeth. In addition, carrots cause an increase in saliva production, which reduces a child’s risk of developing cavities. Celery provides a substantial amount of the antioxidant vitamins C and A, both of which can improve gum health.

2. Apples

Although apples have a relatively high sugar content, apples also consist of water and fiber. While a child eats an apple, his or her mouth begins producing saliva, which helps rinse away the bacteria responsible for the development of cavities. In addition, the apple’s texture stimulates the child’s gums.

3. Avocados

The flesh of the avocado is loaded with prebiotic fiber, which feeds the probiotic bacteria in the mouth. The probiotic bacteria help oral health by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

4. Chicken Legs, Thighs and Wings

While many people think a skinless chicken breast is the healthiest piece of chicken, when it comes to the teeth, drumsticks, wings and thighs come out on top. These parts of the chicken are most beneficial because they contain high amounts of collagen, which is crucial for gum health. The benefits of collagen can also be obtained by making a stock or bone broth using drumsticks, wings and thighs.

5. Spinach

This vegetable is chock-full of vitamins and minerals that can improve a child’s dental health. Since most children are not in any rush to eat a bowl of Popeye’s favorite food, consider incorporating spinach into a child’s diet by adding it to pasta sauces and smoothies.

While these foods do strengthen the teeth, to ensure good oral health, daily brushing and flossing is still necessary. Furthermore, biannual cleanings remain a vital aspect of maintaining strong, healthy teeth and gums.

If you are looking for an experienced dentist, and you reside in the Bellbrook, Ohio, area, contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. John Harmeyer or one of his experienced, caring and dedicated dental professionals. To book an appointment, please call (937) 848-7741 or request an appointment using our online form.

Bellbrook Family Dentistry’s address is 4291 Sugarcreek Drive in Bellbrook, Ohio.

The Myths and Facts about Fluoride

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Over the years you’ve probably heard many things, good and bad, about fluoride. But how do you know what’s true and what’s not? Today we are going to set the record straight by going over some of the most common myths and facts about fluoride. Then, if you need more information or if you have any other dental questions, you should contact a dentist in Bellbrook, OH for assistance.

Myth #1: If you drink fluoridated water, you will experience fluorosis.

Fact: Only if you drink high amounts of fluoride, will you experience fluorosis. In the United States, any amount of fluoride added to the water is so low, that the chance of developing fluorosis is extremely rare.

Myth #2: Fluoride is dangerous for kids.

Fact: Fluoride isn’t dangerous for kids if it is used as intended. Drinking fluoridated water will help strengthen your kids’ teeth and will help prevent future tooth decay. If your kids develop tooth decay, they might end up needing a filling or tooth extraction in Bellbrook, OH.

Myth #3: Drinking water with fluoride in it causes cancer.

Fact: There have been many studies conducted about this issue and the research shows no indication that fluoride causes cancer or any other health problems for that matter. In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Institute of Medicine have both endorsed fluoride as being safe.

Myth #4: Fluoride causes autism and the risk of autism.

Fact: Numerous studies and research don’t show any evidence that drinking fluoridated water causes or increases the risk of autism.

Myth #5: Europe doesn’t allow fluoride in their water, so the United States shouldn’t either.

Fact: European countries do use water fluoridation systems. Salt fluoridation is the method European countries use.

Myth #6: If you use toothpaste with fluoride in it, you don’t need additional fluoride sources.

Fact: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states the amount of fluoride contained in your toothpaste isn’t enough to protect your teeth from tooth decay. For maximum protection, you should use fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water.

If you need a dentist in Bellbrook, OH, or any of the surrounding areas, please Contact Bellbrook Family Dentistry today. We are committed to providing you with the highest quality dental care in a comfortable and relaxing environment.